LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS TITLES OPENER OF 2005 CABELA'S MASTERS WALLEYE
CIRCUIT
Minnetonka, MN-Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit anglers know the
cure for cabin fever -- it's called the Spring Valley, Illinois MWC
tournament - a sauger factory that every walleye tournament angler
looks forward to. And that relief is right around the corner. The
19-year running competition on the Illinois River is slated for March
19 & 20 with Lowrance Electronics as the title sponsor for this qualifying
tournament stop. The local Spring Valley Walleye Club hosts the tournament
and welcomes the teams, fans and sponsors to the area. As has become
the tradition for most of the 19 years, the 220-team field filled
in one day with a waiting list. Over $107,000 is at stake; with $28,512
slated for the winning two-person team. "It'll be tough to repeat"
pined Keith Carlson of Goodhue, Minnesota. He and his partner last
year won the tournament with 21.58 lbs. "The water temperature will
be a big factor and we expect it will take more to win this year than
21 pounds. We'll sure give it a good try though," Carlson added with
laugh. Conditions are a little more stable than last year. Tournament
dates are a week earlier due to the Easter holiday falling the last
weekend in March this year, which should land larger pre-spawn fish
in the anglers' baskets. Favorite techniques for this tournament include
trolling three-way rigs up-river as well as vertical jigging with
plastic baits. However, there are no secrets in this tournament environment.
While dozens of miles of river are within the boundaries; many anglers
are packed in like sardines on some of the most productive areas,
such as the Peru flats and the DePue clam beds. What's new in the
boat this year? Anglers will use their new color Lowrance electronics
for the tournament. "Everything's gone color now" indicated MWC angler
Gordy Powers of Rockford, Minnesota. "Lowrance has developed such
a wide variety of products with color application. There are quite
a number of products in a wide price range; which makes it great to
have a variety of applications in the boat. Probably half the field
will be using the color units in Spring Valley....but just wait -
it will be 99% the following year. The color technology is so great
that once you see the difference it's just night and day." The Masters
Walleye Circuit and the Spring Valley Walleye Club work side-by-side
with the Illinois DNR on improving the Illinois River. The teamwork
approach works well, and is highly sustainable. Not only are eggs
from the fish caught during the tournament used in a re-stocking program,
conservation funds are generated to cover the expenses. MWC will donate
$3300 to the Spring Valley Walleye Club at the conclusion of the tournament
for such work. Water conditions are posted on the SVWC website, www.spring-valley-walleye.org
and tournament information can be obtained at www.masterswalleyecircuit.com,
or by calling the MWC toll-free at 1-877-893-7947. A live leaderboard
will be hosted by MWC sponsor Walleye Central at www.walleyecentral.com.
Openings exist in other MWC tournaments, although the Winnebago tournament
is full and taking a waiting list. Entry fee is $600 per team. MWC
Central Spring Valley, Illinois River, March 19 & 20 Oshkosh, WI,
Lake Winnebago, June 25 & 26 Menominee, MI, Bay of Green Bay, July
16 & 17 MWC East Trenton, MI, Detroit River and OH Lake Erie, April
23 & 24 Henderson Harbor, NY, Lake Ontario, May 21 & 22 Dunkirk, NY,
Lake Erie, August 19, 20 & 21 (anticipated blow day) In addition to
Cabela's, MWC sponsors include - Lowrance Electronics, Lindy Legendary
Tackle, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Ranger Boats, The Outdoor Channel,
North American Fishing Club, Salmo Performance Lures, Daiichi Hooks,
Panther Marine, Aqua Innovations and Walleye Central
